By Charla Wurm-Adams
cwurm@wbcowqel.com
It’s hard to imagine the Crestline Bulldogs not playing its home games at Hutson Stadium, named for legendary hall of fame coach Merle Hutson. Plans are for the Bulldogs to continue playing at Hutson Stadium for a long time – even if it’s a “new” Hutson Stadium.
The Crestline Exempted Village School District wants to move the home of its football Bulldogs into a new facility at the new school, but it needs an infusion of cash to make that dream a reality. Estimates are it will take as much as $500,000 to build the facility.
Thus far one donation of $45,000 has been given towards the press box. The district recently sold property it owned and committed the $82,250 it generated from the sale to the new stadium project.
Lights alone are estimated at $125,000 and the administration would like a state-of-the-art facility with field, locker rooms and stands. Head football coach and athletics director Lee Hurst has indicated the football team would like to play at the site in the fall.
This week the school board discussed funding options with Rob Ratliff. Currently Ratliff is the city law director in Bucyrus, but has strong ties to Crestline and a vast amount of experience in fundraising for sports-related projects in Mobile, Alabama, including what is now known as the GoDaddy.com Bowl. According to Ratliff, the district is limited in some things it can do to raise revenue that would be dedicated to a new football stadium.
Thus far the district has not been successful in securing state funds for the project.
Those who have ideas or an interest in raising funds are asked to contact district treasurer Bradd Stevens. Stevens can be reached at 419-683-3647.